No doubt the electric wheelchair is heavier than its manual counterpart due to the fact that it requires a stronger frame to be able to support the battery as well as motors. Electric wheelchairs vary in the level of sophistication and, can range from standard battery and joystick versions to microprocessor controlled gyroscopic circuitry that can even raise the wheelchair on two wheels. With different levels of sophistication come different price ranges and, the latest and most hi-tech one is the iBOT. This wonder can climb stairs, bump up curbs as well as glide effortlessly through gravel and also elevate the user to reach elevated structures.
The Costly Electric Wheelchair -IBOT
The iBOT is essentially a gyro-balanced mobility piece of equipment that is able to operate on two or four wheels and, can stabilize the user without manual interference as it adjusts itself to allow for shifts in weight. As compared to the average electric wheelchair's price of approximately US$6500, the iBOT costs a whopping US$30,000 and, only those with money to spare can afford this marvel.
Choosing an electric wheelchair requires making sure that it be of a reputable make and, should be purchased from a licensed supplier to ensure that one gets complete back-up support. One should especially not purchase second-hand electric wheelchairs as they may have cracks in the frame or faulty batteries as well as worn out motors.
Propelling the electric wheelchair can vary as there are different modes such as rear wheel drives, mid-wheel drives, and front wheel drives. Rear wheel drives are most common and, though it makes the wheelchair move fast, it does not have good turning capability as compared to the other modes. Mid wheel driven wheelchairs are the best for turning though, they may be a bit unsteady when starting and stopping and, are not too suited for uneven surfaces. The front wheel driven wheelchair is slower but, steadier and, can also turn well.
The electric wheelchair may be powered by different types of batteries such as wet batteries, gel batteries and AGM batteries. Wet batteries work through chemical reaction between lead and sulphuric acid and, need filling up with distilled water and, are also quite light but, can leak. They are cheaper, less vulnerable to overcharging and give good service, if maintained properly.
Gel batteries have sulphuric acid, fumed silica, pure water as well as phosphoric acid to form a thixotropic gel. Not containing liquid means that there is no risk of leakages and they are also not in need of maintenance as is the case with wet batteries. AGM batteries contain absorbed glass mat sandwiched between plates and have saturated acid electrolytes and, because of sandwiching, there is uniform distribution over the plates thus lessening the risk of battery damage. They are costlier and susceptible to overcharging and, are a product of new technology.
